Think of Ben Simmons. The talent, the frame, the skills. But also, the flameout and mystery. Simmons was incredible. He was like a revamped Magic Johnson. Heck, people didn’t know how to talk about Simmons’ future.
Then he forgot how to play basketball and decided that he would rather be on a boat with a rod and reel. Simmons had the tools, but not the desire. He was a case study in misapplication and apathy.
I fear Darryn Peterson will be the same way.
For months, Peterson was the undisputed “most talented” prospect in the 2026 NBA draft. It wasn’t just his floor, but also his ceiling. He played for Kansas, a perennial college basketball contender, and went to a prestigious prep academy.
Peterson’s talent is inarguable. When Peterson’s Kansas Jayhawks team took on the visiting BYU Cougars and AJ Dybantsa—another presumptive top pick—it was Peterson who cemented his status as the crown jewel prospect.
Peterson’s stats may not be mind-blowing (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals) until you look at how many minutes he played and his efficiency. Peterson played only 20 minutes because of second half injuries, and was a blistering 75% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc.
The standout moment of the game came when Peterson jumped into a passing lane to deny Dybantsa the ball. The ball careened into the backcourt, towards the Kansas basket as Peterson and Dybantsa chased it down.
Dybantsa is considerably bigger than Peterson, yet Peterson beat him to the ball and smartly slowed down the break. Dybantsa was matched up with Peterson.
Upon seeing this, Peterson waved off the screener coming from his right. He wanted Dybantsa. Peterson had been limited all season due to injuries and Dynbantsa was gathering steam as the new first-overall pick because of his consistency and reliability.
Peterson jabbed once, dribbled towards the basket, lowered his shoulder into Dybantsa to create separation, and faded away. Swish.
After the bucket, the camera then cut to Peterson’s face—he was emotionless. This was a routine play for him. But there was a fire behind his eyes. He knew the narrative coming into today and he wanted to prove that it was false.
The unfortunate truth is that Peterson rarely displayed this fire. Minutes restrictions were common, and so were curious cramps like the ones in the BYU game. His health was shrouded behind a cloud of mystery.
Questions were raised about his general work ethic and love for the game. His draft stock fell and few, if any mock drafts, have him going No. 1 overall.
Is it fair to hold this past season against Peterson? Is it fair to make a determination about his character? Are we too concerned with the whole situation because of previous players like Simmons?
Truthfully, I’m not sure how to answer any of these questions. There’s a reason Peterson has fallen out of favor. He’s an unknown, and NBA general managers would rather draft someone like Dybantsa, who comes without the same baggage as Peterson.
Peterson continues to not do himself any favors though. ESPN reported that Peterson had a meeting with the Washington Wizards, who have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. This is standard fare—teams will often meet with all of the top prospects. What was not normal though was the news that emerged from Peterson’s camp that he would not be meeting with any other teams. To quote the ESPN article, “Teams in the lottery have taken note of Peterson’s decision to give access to only Washington.”
I have trouble understanding the thought process behind this decision. I suppose the intention is to make it clear that Peterson views himself as the best player in this draft and thus should be selected first overall, but it seems arrogant more than confident. Are they not reading the room?
It’s reasons like these why Peterson isn’t being considered by teams in the first place. It’s a complete lack of awareness.
I remember watching the game versus BYU. I was in awe at Peterson’s talent. I knew about the injury concerns, but I was pulled in by what he could do with the ball in his hands. He was the best player on a court which featured someone who would likely be the first overall pick.
In that moment, Peterson made me a believer, I just wish I still believed.
